IodaRacing: Extra Aprilia team can benefit us

IodaRacing team owner Giampiero Sacchi says he would welcome another Aprilia team to the World Superbike grid in 2017 after the recent rumours of a second team

IodaRacing team owner Giampiero Sacchi says he would welcome another Aprilia team to the World Superbike grid in 2017 as he feels it would only benefit his project in terms of development and motivation.

The potential deal would see Aprilia maintain the technical side while the Milwaukee-backed SMR squad would provide and run the race team.

Earlier this year a last-minute deal saw Aprilia retain its presence on the World Superbike grid for 2016 by completing a deal to provide IodaRacing two RSV4 machines albeit without any development during the season.

Team owner Sacchi is keen to maintain the relationship into 2017 and says the prospect of a rival Aprilia team would be received positively and hopes the two can combine efforts with the development of the RSV4.

"I am convinced that it will be an extra motivation for our team and for Aprilia," Sacchi said. "Personally I am glad that Aprilia increases its commitment to Superbike.

"It can only bring benefits in terms of development and support from the racing department, we could benefit from it all and bring the RSV4 in fighting for the top positions permanently."

It is rumoured part of the SMR team deal would also see Eugene Laverty return to World Superbikes who is familiar with the Italian manufacturer having won ten races with Aprilia and finished the 2013 campaign as championship title runner-up.